Heritage Open Day: A rare opportunity to see behind the scenes at this Grade II listed venue, which has hosted an amazing list of stars since it opened in 1965. The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre opened to the public in June 1965 with a star-studded gala, attended by Dirk Bogarde, Susan Hampshire, Vanessa Redgrave, Michael Redgrave and many more stars of the day. Over the years, this Grade II listed building, designed by local architect John Brownrigg, has produced and presented an astonishing list of important plays, as well as our traditional Christmas panto. The theatre tours are a special chance to see behind the scenes and to find out how a play takes the stage every week, as well as to explore the architectural merit of this much-loved building.